to attract / lure
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to lure
To get people or animals to come to a certain place by means of bait, a promise, or an appealing stimulus.
Der Duft von frischem Brot lockte die Kunden in die Bäckerei an.
The smell of fresh bread lured customers into the bakery.
to attract
In an economic context, to arouse the interest of investors, tourists, or skilled workers through attractive offers or conditions.
Die Regierung versucht mit Steuererleichterungen, ausländische Unternehmen anzulocken.
The government is trying to attract foreign companies with tax breaks.
'Anlocken' (to attract/lure) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die bunten Blumen locken viele Schmetterlinge an.
The colorful flowers attract many butterflies.
The verb consists of the prefix 'an-' and the verb 'locken' (to lure/entice). 'Locken' means to entice or attract someone. The prefix 'an-' emphasizes movement toward a place.
Mit speziellen Lampen kann man nachts Motten anlocken.
With special lamps, you can attract moths at night.
'Anlocken' (to attract/lure) is often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) or the conjunction 'durch' (through/by) to state the means or reason for the attraction. The structure is: jemanden/etwas mit etwas anlocken (to attract/lure someone/something with something).
Die Firma lockt Bewerber mit flexiblen Arbeitszeiten an.
The company attracts applicants with flexible working hours.
In the general meaning, the verb is often combined with living beings. Typical objects are 'Kunden' (customers), 'Besucher' (visitors), 'Tiere' (animals), or 'Insekten' (insects).
Das Festival lockt jedes Jahr Tausende von Besuchern an.
The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year.
In an economic context, you can recognize this meaning from objects such as 'Investoren' (investors), 'Unternehmen' (companies), 'Fachkräfte' (skilled workers), or 'Touristen' (tourists).
Die Stadt möchte mehr junge Fachkräfte anlocken.
The city wants to attract more young skilled workers.
to put on / attract
Anziehen describes a general attractive effect that makes people interested or brings them in. Anlocken usually emphasizes a specific appeal, promise, or attractive offer intended to bring them in. Without any special measure, anziehen is appropriate; when a deliberate incentive is used, anlocken is more suitable.
Mit kostenlosem Eintritt lockt das Museum viele Besucher an.
The museum lures many visitors with free admission.
Die besondere Architektur des Museums zieht viele Besucher an.
The museum’s distinctive architecture attracts many visitors.
